Few questions about my GPZ500S

[Carl157]

Hello Everyone,

I’m new to this forum and relatively new to biking after passing my A2 July last year. I’ve had my 96’ GPZ500S around 8 months now. I’m new to old bikes but so far its been a good first Big bike. I have a couple of questions for anyone who may be able to help:

1) Is there any particular water coolant you would use for this bike?

2) I always leave the fuel tap in the ON’ position when I’m not riding, should I switch it to ‘OFF’ when not in use to avoid flooding the carbs?

Thanks for your help

Carl

[stinkwheel]

You should use water and antifreeze mixed according to the directions on the antifreeze. It's almost certainly got ethylene glycol based coolant in so use that type. If you have particularly hard water in your area (look in the kettle, is it full of scale? If so, you have hard water), you should use distilled/de-ionised water. If your water is soft (clean, shiny kettle), I'd just use tap water.

The fuel tap is a vacuum one, if it is working correctly, it should turn itself off when the engine is not running. Been ages since I had a GPZ500 but does it even HAVE an off position? I thought there was on, reserve and prime (which is the same as on but doesn't turn off when the engine is off).

The ice that builds up inside a freezer and the water you drain off condensing tumble driers are both suitable to use as distilled water.
____________________
“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[Carl157]

Ok, I’ll give that a try.

Thanks